My wife, Andi Jennings, and I took a full-day trip on the "Big Beard Adventure" on Saturday 9/5/26 with Captain Peter first mate Jackie, and second mate (first mate in training) Sienna. It was a terrific day in so many ways. The catamaran is clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. It was very stable on the water and there was plenty of room for all of us. We had 18 people on our trip, but it could have easily handled 30. The boat has two ladders in the back so getting in and out of the water was relatively easy. We made three stops, the first being Turtle Beach, on the leeward side of Buck Island. They do this stop first to give everyone some beach time (it is a gorgeous beach), and also to allow everyone to practice our snorkeling in a more protected and supervised environment. This also allows the crew to determine who might need extra help during the reef part of the tour. The second stop is on the windward side of Buck island, where the reef is. My wife grew up here in St. Croix, but I had never been to Buck Island National Monument. It was nothing short of spectacular. I have never seen anything like it. The reef was teeming with beautiful fish and the reef itself is like an underwater mountain range that you are flying over. Simply amazing. Those that needed help to navigate the reef were given the assistance they needed. We had two non-swimmers on board and yet they were able to safely enjoy most of the experience. Sienna led the way for the experienced snorkelers while Jackie hung back to help folks that needed more guidance. Once we were all safely back on board, they started serving "Mutiny Punch"(fruity vodka drink), in addition to non-alcoholic punch (water is available throughout). We then we were off to Big Beard's private beach, back on St. Croix where a neat little sheltered picnic area was situated just steps off the beach. Captain Peter started cooking hot dogs, regular burgers and veggie burgers, in addition to Mahi (the fish varies on each trip). The food attracted the local wildlife, including several friendly cats and dozens of curious mongooses. After about 90 minutes or so, we all got back on board and headed back to Christensted harbor. One of the things that really stood out was the engagement and dedication of the crew. They all love the island, love the Big Beard organization, and are super-focused on the guest experience and made the day even more enjoyable seeing them work together as a team. Thank you for a great day, Peter, Jackie and Sienna! It was a great value and a great experience. My wife & I cannot recommend this excursion more enthusiastically! read more

I have never been snorkeling before so I was a bit nervous. Because of this we opted for the 3 1/2 hour tour . They take you out to Buck Island and show you how to properly snorkel and make sure you're comfortable and competent. That part of the tour was about an hour. As a short person, I had difficulty getting back on the boat, but staff was very helpful. They then take you out to the reef and split you into groups. The guide takes you around the reef for around 15 minutes and then you are able to explore on your own. I was initially not going to get off the boat at the reef due to my difficulty not being able to get back on when we were closer to land, but staff encouraged me to go and told me they would make sure I got on the boat no matter what. They stuck to their word.. on the way back, they made us from punch and we all had a great time. Highly recommend!! read more

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Had a great all day outing with Big Beard's crew, Michael & Charlie, on the Renegade. Awesome snorkeling in the coral reef near Buck Island, and a delicious lunch in the hideway grill, with cats and mongooses (mongeese?) furtively playing nearby. Professional, informative, and fun throughout. Highly recommended! read more

Big Beard's Adventure Tours - Docked for lunch - Boating Near Me - St Croix, Virgin Islands

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We had the best morning at Buck Island with the Big Beard's Adventure Tours crew. Mike, Chuck, Leah, and Charlie were the best crew to take us on this adventure. They kept the tour fun and we also learned a lot about the water life, island, and how Buck Island became a National Monument. The cruise out there was so beautiful with clear gorgeous blue waters. We saw many fish and wildlife, with one of the highlights being two Barracudas! The reef was beautiful and full of schools of fish. On the ride back we enjoyed delicious vodka punch and soaked in the views. I would absolutely recommend this tour with this team! read more

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Joe and Sam were wonderful. Sam gave snorkel lessons for those who were first timers. They provided ample time in various locations at Buck Island while providing knowledge on coral and basic water safety. It was a pretty great experience and I would definitely recommend them for traveling first timers snorkelers. read more

Great preparation and knowledge. Easy ride, comfortable boat for tour type voyages Friendly captain and crew. read more

Had a fantastic time with my wife and the crew. I'm deftly afraid of water, and the crew took us out for snorkeling . They were very patient with us and showed us a fantastic time! I would DEFINITELY recommend taking the sunset cruise of the snorkeling adventure with Big Beards! read more

We took the full day buck island snorkeling tour. Captain Mike did an excellent job sailing in high winds. Our crew was excellent taking us on a snorkeling tour . It was unusually rougher due to weather 3/3/26. We were unable to anchor for lunch and they promptly refunded us for to reduce the price to half day prices. This was the 3rd time we have sailed with Big Beards. We highly recommend them!! read more

Big Beard's Adventure Tours - View of buck island beach - Boating Near Me - St Croix, Virgin Islands

We had a great experience with Big Beard's Adventure. We did a full day that was well worth it. We went to Buck Island and snorkeled a couple of different locations around the island. Then went to another location for a great meal. Capt. Mike did an awesome job on the fish. Thanks guys, Capt. Mike and First Mate Kelly. Note: Do the waiver forms online. You can't print them off and turn them in at check in desk. read more

This is an awesome snorkeling tour! Capt. Severend and his crew were extremely friendly and helpful. We went out first to the west side of the island to practice snorkeling. There was not much to see on this side and the water was pretty rough. They do give good instructions for those that are new to it or just need a refresher. We then moved to the east side of the island and out to the reef. There are a lot of fish to see. Chuck was very helpful pulling our daughter around on the life ring because she really couldn't get the gist of snorkeling. He showed us along the trail and even pulled her back to the boat so we could continue snorkeling for a bit! They serve fresh cold water on the way out and non-alcoholic fruit punch or vodka fruit punch on the way back. They really do a great job. We forgot to bring cash for tips but they do take Venmo. read more

Worth every Penny Top activities in St Croix Will definitely be back and the Mahi Mahi was great !!! read more

Crew was amazing very conscientious with regards to beginning snorkelers and keeping An eye on everyone while in the water or on the boat . read more

Exceptional sailing; Magical water; Unbelievable underwater exploration; Delicious food at lunch; Friendly and supportive crew (thanks Captain Mike for keeping a watch over my dad and letting him be the center of attention for now on). O-H-I-O Crew read more

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The experience was amazing for my first time in St. Croix, first-time snorkeling, all around lots of firsts on this trip. Not much of a swimmer but the crew assisted me with lessons prior to the experience. They were super friendly (and the captain was handsome af lol). Would definitely do this again. read more

Big Beard's Adventure Tours - Boat before tour - Boating Near Me - St Croix, Virgin Islands

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I did the full day snorkeling tour to the Buck Island. Greg was our captain. Sidney and Dominique were the staff. Went during Thanksgiving weekend. Only 10 passengers. So it was a very comfortable trip. It is one of the 5 companies that have licenses to tour the Buck Island so they know what they are doing. I knew lunch was small and had limited options but I wanted to do the full day anyways because I wanted a relaxed tour on a sail boat. If you are in a rush and have a lot of things to cover in St Croix or if you are a cruise customer, I strongly recommend the half day tour. You won't miss out much. The $120(+tips) that we paid per person was a good price point considering everything is expensive on the island. Bring a water proof case for your camera or cellphone. Very very imp. You will have to swim to the island. read more

Big Beard's Adventure Tours - Boating Near Me - St Croix, Virgin Islands

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Amazing! We had a great day on the water and beach with Big Beard's Adventures. The crew was awesome! They were very friendly and attentive. They made sure everyone was well taken care of. Highly recommend this company for your adventures. read more

We had an amazing time!! Captain Pete and Joe were awesome. Special thanks to Joe for taking the time to make my wife comfortable. She had a great experience because of him. read more

We booked the full day snorkeling excursion to Buck Island. We were greeted by friendly staff at check in and reviewed our day itinerary. We set off at 9:30a to head to Buck Island Beach. We did some practice snorkeling for a little while and then proceeded to the lagoon for reef and underwater trail snorkeling. What an incredible reef full of tropical fish, we saw a turtle and a few barracuda! After that we headed to a private beach for a bbq and socializing with the group. We cruised back after our exciting day on the water. Highly recommend while visiting St Croix! read more

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Hands down the best snorkel we have ever done! My husband said it was better than the Great Barrier Reef! Felt like we were swimming in a fish tank. The crew was awesome and very accommodating. We did the full day tour and it was well worth the cost for what we got. Lunch was delicious, the drinks were flowing (after snorkel) and it was just a really fun day. A must do if you visit St. Croix. read more

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Amazing half day trip to Buck Island to start off our weekend in St Croix. Sienna was an amazing tour guide!

Great trip! Jackie, Amy, Logan and Captain Curtis did a great job keeping us entertained and safe. This is a must do if in St. Croix. The scenery can not be beat. Great sites all around. read more

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Great excursion. Start off meeting at the dock. They want no shoes on boat to avoid bringing contamination (bravo). It takes a hour to get to first snorkeling area to get acclimated. Then go to second spot that is the national reserve area. You will get a hour there and see spectacular underwater views. Then they take you to St Croix Beach area for BBQ with hot dogs, hamburgers, fish, veggie burger. They provide more than adequate amount of food. There will be some chips and water, punch, and alcoholic punch. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. read more

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We loved the crew! Had a nice cookout in a little cove! Snorkeling was a little rough but we enjoyed it! read more

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This was such a great experience!! Captain Curtis, Joe and Chuck were the absolute best snorkel guides and just overall really kind to me and my bf, who had never snorkled before. And the lunch food was top tier, especially the veggie burger and mahi. I would highly recommend! read more

We took the full day catamaran tour to Buck Island! Excellent and entertaining Crew, beautiful sights and wonderful barbecue on the beach!

Captain Greg and his crew were awesome. They made the trip incredible. Mike (also a Captain) took the time to notice that my wife's mask (we brought our own) was missing a plastic valve and took it upon himself to replace it for us. The Reef was really cool as well. One of the best snorkeling I have done. The food they provide was cooked to perfection. A+ read more

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Such a great crew and fun excursion. Everything from researching to purchasing to check in to celebratory vodka punch was very well done. Great communication, fair price, knowledgeable crew! No complaints and would definitely recommend! read more

Awesome company to use. I would use them again. Staff was friendly and helped out alot. Perfect for kids also. ​

We had an amazing time on our guided tour! The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and patient--especially with my children (ages 8 and 10), who were a little apprehensive about snorkeling at first. The boat ride was the perfect way to see the island, and we were thrilled to spot eight dolphins along the way. Highly recommend this tour! read more

The crew was fantastic and very knowledgeable. If you're not into snorkeling there's no place but the boat to hang out. (found out the hard way) That aside my nephew and niece loved the trip. Check them out !!! read more

The crew was outstanding, very helpful, and very knowledgeable. Loved the day. this is a must when on St. Croix

Snorkel tour to Buck island was awesome. Every staff member we encountered was helpful and had a positive attitude

Nice! Caring crew that made it easy for the beginners and challenging for the advanced. Buck Island - what a beautiful beach and coral reef. Don't forget to take cash to tip the crew. They work very hard. read more

We did the sunset tour with them and the full day buck island tour the next day. Enjoyed both, wasn't a fan of the vodka fruit punch but captain and mate were awesome on both tours, buck island probably my favorite it was pretty incredible and beautiful then they take you so another private little spot and cook you a feast, this is a must do!! read more

Great adventure! My husband and I went for my birthday. Even though he wouldn't get in the water and I stayed with him it was phenomenal. The captain and crew were very attentive. read more

Big Beard's Adventure Tours - Relaxing and watching the view - Boating Near Me - St Croix, Virgin Islands

Everything was amazing! ! The crew was entertaining and the trip a blast! We highly recommend! read more

Loved the full day trip on their catamaran to Buck Island. It is the underwater reef at Buck that is the destination worth seeing. Plenty of fish and coral. The staff were accommodating as most of these review reflect. There is an opportunity to do some light yoga stretches with the staff before shoving off. Everything we needed was supplied to do our snorkeling. Cool water on the trip to replenish yourself. We stayed at the reef about an hour which was plenty of time to snorkel and view. You will be in open water not off a beach. There is a stop before Buck island to give passengers a chance for a short snorkel to get their gear "right" and test it out. After Buck Island we headed to a private beach where staff prepared a cookout for us, It was great! Best snorkel trip ever! I would do it again and recommend this. We did this trip in January 2023. read more

The whole team was very nice! They did a wonderful job communication before the trip and the team on the boat was very helpful. We did the half day but I would absolutely do the full day if we ever go back. read more

Big Beard's Adventure Tours - They also gave us a quick run over about best practices for snorkeling. - Boating Near Me - St Croix, Virgin Islands

Amazing day trip to Buck Island. Crew, Boat, lunch all Wonderful!!!! We were able to swim with 2 dolphins on Turtle Beach !!!!!

Great group of host.water was choppy and the captain navigated us thru it without a problem. Felt smooth. Tour was cut short with the weather and they were so kind and generous with the options. HIGHLY RECOMMEND read more